Should I buy Fortescue shares today?

A leading investing expert offers his verdict on the outlook for Fortescue shares.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares are taking a tumble today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining stock closed Friday trading for $15.39. In late morning trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for $15.02 apiece, down 2.2%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.4% at this same time.

As for Fortescue's top rivals, the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is down 1.1%, while shares in Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) are down 2.2%.

Today's underperformance of the ASX 200 mining stocks looks to be driven by another dip in the iron ore price, currently at US$95.80 per tonne. That's down from US$107 per tonne at the end of February.

Investors are likely also jittery about the new Trump steel tariffs, with the US President increasing duties on imported steel from 25% to 50%.

But with Fortescue shares now down 40% over the past 12 months – a far steeper one-year fall than the 15% loss posted by BHP shares and the 14% loss on Rio Tinto shares – is now a good time to scoop up the Aussie miner?

Two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen at a mine site.

Image source: Getty Images

Should I buy the big dip on Fortescue shares?

Family Financial Solutions' Jabin Hallihan recently ran his slide rule over Fortescue (courtesy of The Bull).

While he sounded some positive notes on the ASX 200 miner, Hallihan isn't ready to recommend the stock as a buy just yet.

"This leading iron ore producer supplies global steelmakers while investing heavily in clean energy," said Hallihan, who has a hold recommendation on Fortescue shares.

According to Hallihan:

The company is aiming to become a major player in renewable energy through its Fortescue Future Industries division. Fortescue's iron ore business remains strong, supported by global demand.

He concluded:

It offers long term growth potential in clean energy, but near-term execution is uncertain, in our view. The shares are way off their highs and could easily move higher from these levels on positive news flow.

What's the latest from the ASX 200 miner?

Fortescue shares caught some unwanted headwinds in the latter half of May, following an update on the ramp-up of its Iron Bridge project in Western Australia.

Investors favoured their sell buttons after the miner reported the project's intended production levels wouldn't be reached as soon as previously expected.

Fortescue said it now expected to achieve Iron Bridge's nameplate capacity of 22 million tonnes per year in FY 2028. That goal was originally meant to be hit in September this year.

Offering some support to Fortescue shares, the miner said it still expects Iron Bridge to achieve its full-year FY 2025 guidance for iron ore shipments and operating costs.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Resources Shares

A woman in high visibility clothing and a hard hat stands in front of an aluminium smelter.
Resources Shares

Rio Tinto just locked in a major deal. Here's why investors are buying today

Rio Tinto shares rise after announcing a major aluminium deal.

Read more »

Three miners wearing hard hats and high vis vests take a break on site at a mine as the Fortescue share price drops in FY22
Resources Shares

Are these 3 ASX 200 mining shares a buy, hold, or sell?

What changes have the experts made to their ratings and price targets since the war in Iran began?

Read more »

A man in a hard hat gives a thumbs up as he holds a clipboard in one hand against a blue sky background.
Resources Shares

ASX mining shares have slumped but long-term outlook is positive

The ASX 200 materials sector has slumped 19% since the war in Iran began.

Read more »

Two workers working with a large copper coil in a factory.
Broker Notes

Should you buy this $8 billion ASX 200 copper stock amid surging global demand?

A leading analyst drills into the outlook for this $8 billion ASX copper miner.

Read more »

Cheerful businessman with a mining hat on the table sitting back with his arms behind his head while looking at his laptop's screen.
Resources Shares

4 of the best ASX mining stocks to buy in the current environment

Bell Potter is bullish on these miners. Let's see why.

Read more »

A man wearing a shirt, tie and hard hat sits in an office and marks dates in his diary.
Resources Shares

Buy, hold, sell: Copper, gold, and lithium ASX stocks

These three shares offer exposure to copper, gold, and lithium.

Read more »

An engineer takes a break on a staircase and looks out over a huge open pit coal mine as the sun rises in the background.
Resources Shares

Where to from here for BHP shares after crashing over 20%?

Brokers are split, but they agree that the next share ride will be volatile.

Read more »

Lion roaring in the wild, symbolising a rising Liontown share price.
Broker Notes

Up 117% in a year, should you still buy Liontown shares now?

A leading analyst delivers his verdict on the soaring Liontown share price.

Read more »